Bake up some fun with this contest

Because I have loved that plump, little dough boy since I was a child, I couldn’t resist posting this contest from Pillsbury. You only have until December 20 to enter:

Pillsbury People Essay Contest

Enter at www.PillsburyBaking.com from October 20 through December 20, 2010
Submit a short essay on your favorite sweet treat and a reason why you love to bake it
One lucky person will win $10,000 towards a kitchen makeover
Additionally, three runners-up will receive a digital camera and a Pillsbury Gift Basket with Pillsbury Baking products and branded items.

I’ve made the following holiday treat since I was a kid. Use Pillsbury bread sticks and follow their directions for temperature and bake time.

Soft-Pretzel Wreath
1.    Take one can of soft bread sticks, separating each bread stick.
2.   On a greased baking sheet, form each bread stick into a pretzel, placing each one almost touching in a circular shape with an open space in the middle (you’ll be placing a small bowl there later).
3.   Whisk 1 egg until blended, and brush it over the pretzels.
4.   Sprinkle coarse salt over the pretzels.
5.   Bake according to bread stick directions.

For the dip/spread, mix softened (but not melted) butter with a little pesto sauce OR spicy mustard to your taste. Place the mixture in a bowl in the center of the wreath and serve. Let guests pull apart the wreath and dip or spread the butter mixture on the soft pretzel.